Description
Comfort meets elegance in this chicken and broccoli baked alfredo, a creamy Italian-inspired casserole that promises pure culinary satisfaction. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly roasted broccoli unite in a harmonious dish you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups (150 g) broccoli florets, steamed
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary stage by warming the oven to 375F (190C). Liberally coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Transform pasta into perfectly textured strands by submerging in a generously salted boiling water bath. Cook until achieving an ideal al dente consistency, then carefully drain and reserve.
- Transform broccoli florets into tender emerald gems through gentle steaming. Monitor closely to retain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, approximately 4-5 minutes. Set aside momentarily.
- Craft a luxurious Alfredo sauce by melting butter in a simmering saucepan. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture. Whisk in flour, creating a silky roux that will serve as the sauce’s foundation.
- Gradually integrate cream into the roux, whisking continuously to eliminate potential lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, developing a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, infusing the sauce with a robust, nutty dimension. Season with subtle hints of nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Harmoniously combine cooked pasta, tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and the sumptuous Alfredo sauce in a spacious mixing bowl. Ensure each ingredient is lovingly enrobed in the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the integrated components to the prepared baking dish, creating an inviting landscape of culinary potential. Crown the creation with an even blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the casserole to transform for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbling surface that signals perfect doneness.
- Permit the casserole a brief moment of rest after emerging from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a final flourish of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Perfectly cook pasta by ensuring it’s al dente, which prevents mushiness when baked in the casserole.
- Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking that leads to soggy vegetables.
- Create a smooth Alfredo sauce by whisking cream gradually and consistently to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for varied dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
- Enhance dish’s nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for increased vitamins and fiber.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by using alternative flour like cornstarch or rice flour, and selecting gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Reduce calorie content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and selecting low-fat cheese options without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg